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Published in 1893, and set against a backdrop of violence between Mexico and the United States, this is a passionate and compelling love story from famous American author Gertrude Atherton. Loyal to her family, Doña Chonita finds herself questioning her firmly held morals and values when she falls for the charming Don Diego. The star-crossed lovers’ worlds are turned upside down by their passion, as well as forces outside their control. Vividly written, this is a haunting romance and a compelling piece of classic American literature.

Gertrude Atherton (1857-1948) was an American novelist, short story writer and early feminist. Born in California, Gertrude attended schools in California and Kentucky and became widely read. She married George H.B. Atherton in 1876, and lived with him and his mother in San Francisco, where they had two children. Atherton struggled with married life, her husband did not support her writing ambitions and Gertrude found life as a wife and mother stifling. When her husband died at sea in 1887, Atherton felt free to pursue her burgeoning career as an author and went on to publish over 50 novels. She is best known for her California series of novels which explored the social history of California and included popular works such as ‘The Californians’ and the controversial ‘Black Oxen’ which was adapted into a silent movie in 1923. Feminist themes and strong female characters are common in her novels. She died in San Francisco in 1948.