Chata and Chinita: A Novel

"Chata and Chinita: A Novel" by Laura Preston unfolds in the heart of a 19th-century Mexican hacienda and presents a tale of entwined fates amidst rigid social structures. Within the walls of Tres Hermanos, we meet Juan Planillos, a traveler concealing a quest for revenge, and Doña Isabel, the hacienda's strong-willed matriarch. The stage is set when, seeking refuge, Juan's humble arrival stirs unrest among the family and their staff, particularly the wary gatekeeper, Tio Pedro. Unbeknownst to the residents, Juan's presence signals an eruption of past grievances that will shatter their fragile peace. As he navigates the intricate relationships within Tres Hermanos, Juan becomes a catalyst for simmering conflicts, culminating in a startling murder that exposes deep-seated animosities and leaves no one untouched by the consequences of ambition and retribution.