The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina – Zoraida Cordova

Book Title: The Inheritance of Orquidea Divina

Series: 

Author:  Zoraida Cordova

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56898076-the-inheritance-of-orqu-dea-divina

Release Date:  11/04/21

Star Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 4 out of 5.

A beautiful, magical book about family, tradition and the history that binds us.

The Montoyas are used to a life without explanations. They know better than to ask why the pantry never seems to run low or empty, or why their matriarch won’t ever leave their home in Four Rivers—even for graduations, weddings, or baptisms. But when Orquídea Divina invites them to her funeral and to collect their inheritance, they hope to learn the secrets that she has held onto so tightly their whole lives. Instead, Orquídea is transformed, leaving them with more questions than answers.

Seven years later, her gifts have manifested in different ways for Marimar, Rey, and Tatinelly’s daughter, Rhiannon, granting them unexpected blessings. But soon, a hidden figure begins to tear through their family tree, picking them off one by one as it seeks to destroy Orquídea’s line. Determined to save what’s left of their family and uncover the truth behind their inheritance, the four descendants travel to Ecuador—to the place where Orquídea buried her secrets and broken promises and never looked back. – Goodreads

I have a real soft spot for magical books, especially books about brujas, curanderas, or witches. There is something fascinating about the idea of the natural world being tied to us in a very real way. Using herbs, and practical magic to affect our lives really appeals to me. As a young girl, our elementary school had classes (a kind of club) for kids with Native American heritage that was supposed to help us connect with our past and culture. It fostered in me an appreciation for the natural world and how we can live in harmony with it. So this book really appealed to me. I also loved that it focuses on latinx culture. I wish we could have more books from Native and Latinx authors. I am planning on reading more of this authors work in future, I have another series from her on my never ending TBR.

I also really enjoy books that focus on the uncovering of family secrets. I live for that stuff honestly. So it hits all the right notes for me on three different fronts. I can’t recommend this more highly. I wish that it had gotten more attention when it first was released. Also, if you loved Encanto … this also is based on Ecuadorian culture and history. You’ll love this book.