River of Angels: A Novel of Cultural and Environmental Conflict

Written by Abbe Rolnick

Narrated by Tavia Gilbert

River of Angels, set on a tropical island in the Caribbean, reveals the multiple facets of life condensed within a small town. The story examines individuals caught between the world of conventional society and the world that speaks to an individual's true self. Through the lives of a prostitute, a healer, an entrepreneur, a beggar, and two elders, the listener reflects on the intricacies of human nature. 

Rolnick spins an intriguing tale of intertwined relationships and clashing elements of culture on the island of Puerto Rico, where the characters strive, sometimes struggling within themselves, to make a life. Monica, a prostitute by choice, controls every aspect of her life, until her world crumbles. Rosie, a professor and healer, forsakes the comfortable role of teacher and wife to unravel the mystery of her father's past and discover a cure for her own malady. Carlos, a successful entrepreneur, witnesses his certainty dissolve and his beliefs questioned. Pide, the beggar, brings wisdom, humor, and friendship to those he watches. Abuelita and Don Tuto, the elders, lead others to safety as they resolve history's hold on their lives. 

Contemporary issues of social justice, environmental destruction, crime, and avarice act as a backdrop for the inner story of relationships. The characters take you into two worlds, the surface world society accepts and the underground world of caves where the unacceptable thrive. The story blends two worlds and the hope of possibilities that keeps these characters forever in the listener's heart.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sedro Publishing
• Release date: Jul 7, 2020
• ISBN: 9780999529164

Abbe Rolnick

Abbe Rolnick grew up in the suburbs of Baltimore, Maryland. Her first major cultural jolt occurred at age 15 when her family moved to Miami Beach, Florida. To find perspective, she climbed the only non-palm tree at her condo complex and wrote what she observed. History came alive with her exposure to Cuban culture. After attending Boston University, she lived in Puerto Rico,where she owned a bookstore.River of Angels flows from her experiences in Puerto Rico and is the first novel in her Generations of Secrets series. She continues with Color of Lies, bringing the reader to the Pacific Northwest where she presently resides. Here she blends stories from island life with characters in Skagit Valley. The third in the series, Founding Stones was recently published and continues with characters from her two previous novels. Her readers describe the series as "deep and meaningful," with "complex relationships" that "transport you to a different place" with "a plot worthy of the cedar-scented NW atmosphere."Her recent experiences with her husband's cancer inspired Cocoon of Cancer: An Invitation to Love Deeply, a love story that shares intimate tips for caregivers and family. Tattle Tales: Essays and Stories Along the Way is a compilation of twenty years of writing. These two books show a "skill for writing that brings a cluster of sunshine through the dim of darkness," where "you can feel the author's presence."An avid world traveler, Abbe can be found with her husband Jim in Africa, Southeast Asia, South America, Sri Lanka, the Middle East, and other exotic countries when they aren't at their home amid twenty acres in Skagit Valley, Washington, or visiting with her grown children and grandkids.To learn more about her writings, Abbe's Notes and Abbe's Ruminations, visit her website, www.abberolnick.com. Abbe welcomes questions and requests for speaking engagements, and would love to hear from you.