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Patricia J. Gallegos is a new author. The View from My Window is her first novel.
As a published illustrator, her pen and ink illustrations capture the wildlife and the landscape of the Four Corners in Under the Indian Turquoise Sky, Ye Galleon Press. This collection of Native American fables was shared, in the oral tradition, by respected Native-elder storytellers with young Native American students, who put these treasured fables into writing for the very first time. This treasury was compiled by Dr. Grace Nutley and Rosemary R. Davey.
As a Nationally Certified Sign Language Interpreter, Gallegos is a student of human nature and the language of what is unsaid but clearly stated. As a Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, she has the reputation of being the Shen whisperer, She-Who-Sees-Inside-the-Spirit. She teaches and practices Traditional Chinese Medicine in Portland, Oregon. Following her own native roots, she treads softly in the footsteps of her ancestral matriarch, who was an Apache warrior and practitioner of curanderismo.
Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite
In The View From My Window by Patricia J. Gallegos, Willow is an apprentice healer traveling with her fellow nomads, trading and offering their services as they make stops at villages. Yet, times are changing as tension against the nomads escalates. Change comes almost as swiftly as a thunderstorm, bringing an evil that Willow and her cousin, Galynda, must overcome. “The wheels of change have begun to turn, but there is more change to come.” Galynda, the seer, foresees the wheels of change will have intriguing challenges for the people of the Tsigani tribe. Most of her people decide to disband and settle permanently in favor of stability and safety. Her group becomes smaller, and soon their fate turns when an ailing queen needs their healing expertise. Arriving at the castle, Willow will face cultural and etiquette differences, taking the mantle as a lead healer, keeping her family safe from a dangerous royal dispute, and finding unexpected love.
Set in a fantasy world with several familiar elements, The View From My Window is driven by dramatic revelations and sound character development. The coming-of-age theme is at the core of the story. It is a tale about self-discovery and growth for the young adult characters. Their journey navigating through a different custom - a royal one, no less - is fascinating, and at times amusing. Coupling romance with drama, these endearing elements lighten the darker portions of abuse and other despicable acts within the plot. The story has fascinating details depicting the healing methods and medicinal herbs of the Tsigani, and the complex roles of the courtesan, including the developing friendship between Willow and Madame Rosmerta, the personal companion to the queen. A tale of personal growth, wisdom, tenacity, and love, this is a compelling book from Patricia J. Gallegos.
