As we kick off Hispanic Heritage Month 2024, this year’s theme, “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together,” resonates deeply with me as a Hispanic author and someone who strives to reflect the pioneering spirit in my storytelling. From my debut novel, Last Exit to Montauk, to my latest release, Fury in Her Eyes, I’ve sought to highlight the journeys, struggles, and triumphs of white-collar Hispanic protagonists navigating a complex world. This month, I want to celebrate that spirit of change and innovation that lies at the heart of the Hispanic experience—and how it shapes the future we’re building together.
Last Exit to Montauk: A Journey of Self-Discovery
I explore the power of young love and self-discovery in Last Exit to Montauk, a coming-of-age story set in the mid-1980s. Though the setting feels nostalgic, the themes of identity, family, and resilience are timeless, replete with milestones, tangled emotions, and adventures that embody first love. Not just for the young but for the young at heart – link
The Captain and the Queen: A Tale of Overcoming Obstacles
The Captain and the Queen tackles class, love, and prejudice issues as it follows the love story of two teenagers from different worlds. Here, we see the Hispanic experience through the lens of love, ambition, and dreams in the face of adversity. The characters embody what it means to be pioneers—striving to shape their future despite many obstacles. – link
Searching for Sarah: A Story of Courage and Acceptance
Searching for Sarah boldly explores themes such as family, identity, and LGBTQ+ issues within the Hispanic community. In the novel, the protagonist, Tom, embarks on a transformative journey as he uses his sister, Nina’s private journals to track down the love of her life, Sarah. Nina is a pioneer in her own right, challenging societal norms and fighting for her place in the world. Her story is one of hope, love, and the power of embracing who you are—regardless of the challenges. – link
Fury in Her Eyes: A Timely Romantic Mystery
Finally, my latest novel, Fury in Her Eyes, is a powerful mystery romance that weaves love, redemption, and the power of forgiveness with real-life events, such as the attack on the U.S. Capitol, racial tensions, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The story follows Pulitzer Prize-winning Hispanic photojournalist Ollie Morales at the center of a maelstrom when he is attacked by a masked rioter while covering the events at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. But this attack is not random; it’s the culmination of a long-buried vendetta from Ollie’s prep school days. As secrets unravel and past traumas resurface, Ollie must confront his demons and learn forgiveness’s true meaning. Amidst the chaos, he wonders if—and how—he will ever find the closure he needs to be free of the past and embrace a brighter future. – link
Shaping the Future Together
Hispanic Heritage Month is more than just a celebration of the past—it’s a reminder of our power to shape the future together. Each of my novels explores the complexities of the Hispanic experience, from personal identity to societal challenges. Whether it’s young love, overcoming prejudice, fighting for acceptance, or seeking reconciliation, my characters represent the diverse voices of the white-collar Hispanic community, all pioneers of change in their own right.
Let’s shape the future together—one story at a time.