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Publisher: Page Free Press
Release Date: October 2004
ISBN: 1589612191
Awards:  
Format Reviewed: Hardcover
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Genre:   Adult Fiction/Romance
Reviewed: 2004
Reviewer: Jo Rogers
Reviewer Notes:  
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Pampas
By Janet Elaine Smith

     When Raul Escobar first arrived at the ranch, he did not even know if Pedro Mendoza would hire him. He was desperate for work and even more desperate to hide his past. Señor Mendoza thought it interesting that he spoke Spanish with an Italian accent. Yet, he asked Escobar no questions and insisted that a man's past was his business and no one else's.

     The years passed, and Escobar proved himself a hard worker. Mendoza treated him like a son. Then, Mendoza died. Everyone waited with bated breath to see what would happen to the ranch. They were all shocked to find that Mendoza had left a part of his ranch to two of the gauchos. Most of it he left to Raul Escobar. The house itself went to the housekeeper, Doña Helena. Some of those who had been with him much longer than Escobar had were upset that they had been left out. But Mendoza knew what he was doing. He knew who would best be able to carry on in his absence. The only stipulation he made was that Escobar could not live in the house unless he was married.

      Raul knew that many people would ask about his past. He did not want them to know where he came from or why he spoke with an Italian accent. If they knew, they would send him back to prison in the United States. He had Doña Helena answer some of the reporter' s questions, but even she did not know his whole story.

     Then, there was the problem of Samantha Manchester. The young archeologist wanted to dig on the property, but Escobar had her and the American ambassador, Jeremy Whitcomb, removed from his property.

      Pampas is a warm story of love, trust and acceptance. It is also a perfect example of why God wants us to always tell the truth. This is a story to enjoy when you feel down.