What Reviewers are Saying about Finding Isabella

Barnes & Noble Events, July, 2000

In his new novel, Finding Isabella, local author Al Garrotto weaves a delicate story about an adoptee who goes back to her native country to find her roots. Superimposed on a background of shifting characters and events, Finding Isabella is truly a one-of-a-kind story.

Ellen Miller, "Ageless Lifestyle" Magazine (July 2000)

The first few pages of A.J. Garrotto's new book "Finding Isabella" made me recheck the cover. It says romance but it's not like any romance I've ever read. I would call it Romantic intrigue. Whatever genre you want to place it in, it's a page turner.

Set in Northern California and on a Caribbean island called Santo Sangre, Garrotto's story includes kidnapping, dead bodies, foreign adoption, diplomats, thugs, a priest who is torn between his love for the heroine and the priesthood, an opera singer, an airplane crash and, of course, romance!

When Analisa Marconi a.k.a. Isabella returns to her native land of Santo Sangre in search of her birth parents, she finds her life in danger. She must also make a difficult choice between two men who each hold a special place in her heart. "Finding Isabella" is a great way to relax on a warm summer day.

B. Lynn Goodwin, editor, Haven's List (February 2000)

Filled with wonderful characters. Sensitive. Intelligent . . . I loved the 
ending. 

In Finding Isabella, Analisa Marconi's search for identity is 
heartfelt. So is her struggle over love, romance, and identity. After 
her adoptive parents die, her unique friendship with Father Dave 
Gallego intensifies. When she returns to her native country, Santo 
Sangre in search of her birth family, Dave's special influence is with 
her. It even affects her love for Arturo Cristobal, the most noted 
opera singer in Santo Sangre. Like Analisa he was separated from his 
birth family, but was orphaned, not adopted.  

Remembering the pre-adoption days when she was called Isabella, 
Analisa wonders how her birth mother could relinquish her and 
what became of her siblings. In Santo Sangre she soon fears capture 
by Los Dejados, a powerful anti-adoption group. Her search for her 
family of origin and her joyous romance with Arturo keep her in the 
country despite the dangers though. Her story gives readers the 
courage to search for personal truths; the results are worth the effort. 
Author Al Garrotto combines a dangerous quest, emerging romance, 
and political issues in a unique set of circumstances. The book is 
wonderfully readable.  I encourage you to . . . buy this sensitive, 
intelligent romance.

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