Synopses & Reviews
From the author of Bread Alone comes an intimate tale of a woman -- given up at birth -- piecing together her mother's identity
After a childhood spent in an institution and a series of foster homes, Avery James has trained herself not to wonder about the mother who gave her up. But her safe, predictable life changes one night at a party in the home of a wealthy Santa Fe art dealer when she stumbles upon the portrait of a woman who is the mirror image of herself.
Avery has found her mother, Isabel Colinas, an artist who died eight years earlier in a tragic accident. Slowly but inevitably, she is compelled to discover all she can about the woman. Searching for Isabel -- in her work, in the stories of friends, rivals, and lovers, in Isabel's own journal, and in what's left of Querencia, the old miner's cabin that was her haven -- Avery is drawn into complex relationships with the people who knew her mother. And the unexpected reappearance of Will Cameron, the boy Avery loved in high school, further complicates matters. As she draws together the threads of her mother's artistic heritage, her grandmother's skills as a curandera, or healer, and her own talent for cooking, Avery learns that, while discovering Isabel provides a certain resolution in her life, it's discovering herself that brings lasting happiness.
Beautifully observed and insightful, with Isabel's Daughter Judith Ryan Hendricks delivers a moving portrait of familial love -- a bond that transcends time and place.
Review
“ calls to mind Barbara Kingsolver in her affinity for wise women and the power of close female friendships.” Booklist
Synopsis
The first time I saw my mother was the night she died. The second time was at a party in Santa Fe. Avery James has trained herself not to yearn for the mother who gave her up. Until a twist of fate leads her to a portrait of a woman who is the mirror image of herself. The woman is Isabel Colinas, an artist who died eight years earlier in a tragic accident. Searching for Isabel--in her work, in the stories of friends, rivals and lovers, and in the special Southwestern haven to which she escaped--Avery is drawn into complex relationships with the people who knew her mother, and with an unexpected love. As she draws together the threads of her mother's artistic heritage, her grandmother's skills as a curandera or healer, and her own talent for cooking, Avery learns that, while finding Isabel provides a certain resolution in her life, it's discovering herself that brings lasting happiness.
Synopsis
Avery James has trained herself not to yearn for the mother who gave her up. Until a twist of fate leads her to a portrait of a woman who is the mirror image of herself. Searching for Isabel, Avery is drawn into complex relationships with the people who knew her mother, and with an unexpected love.
About the Author
Judith Ryan Hendricks worked as a copywriter, journalist, computer instructor, travel agent, and waitress before landing at Seattle's McGraw Street Bakery, where she fell in love with the rhythm of baking. Hendricks now lives in Long Beach, California, with her husband, Geoff, and still keeps a crock of sourdough starter in the refrigerator. Bread Alone is her first novel.