Circles of Stone [Hardcover]

A.J. Garrotto (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 2003

A letter from a woman claiming knowledge about Natalia's Peruvian birth mother begins the supermodel's odyssey to the origins and meaning of her existence. Along the way she encounters a wise spiritual guide, Fr. Gregory Martindale, director of a Sedona retreat center. From the Red Rock country of Northern Arizona, Natalia is drawn to the orphanage in Lima where she was born. Her hope is that the nuns at Ángel Guardián can fill the gaps in her life story. As the tale of her birth and adoption unfolds, Natalia uncovers a conspiracy of carefully scripted secrets and lies that can possibly destroy the only family she has ever known. Upon returning to the States to face the consequences of what she has learned in Peru, the professional and economic priorities that have driven Natalia to elite status in the fashion industry begin to shift. "Circles of Stone" is an uplifting story of courage and love about an adoptee's journey to the center of her being.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A.J. Garrotto is a rare writer who truly understands the human spirit." -- Lynna Banning, author of

"Profound psychological and spiritual implications fan yearnings for transcendence. I have have reached the top of a mountain." -- Muriel James, Ph.D., M.Div., author of

"With finely drawn characters, Garrotto takes you on a spiritual journey that begins and ends in a Peruvian orphanage." -- Camille Minichino, author of

From the Author

"Circles of Stone" is my second venture into the world of international adoption, following "Finding Isabella" (2000, Genesis Press). In both books, an adoptee raised by American parents returns to her native country in search of birth mother and siblings (if any). In "Circles of Stone", what Natalia McCrory learns about her origins changes her life in ways she could never have imagined possible.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 244 pages
• Publisher: Hilliard & Harris Publishers (October 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1591330289
• ISBN-13: 978-1591330288
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,458,991 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I'm a native Californian and now live in Pittsburg, CA. In addition to writing novels (I'll Paint a Sun, Down a Narrow Alley, Circles of Stone, Finding Isabella), I am a freelance writer and manuscript editor (need help?). My most recent book is The Wisdom of Les Miserables: Lessons From the Heart of Jean Valjean. I also serve as a lay minister in a Roman Catholic parish in the Oakland (CA) Diocese. Please visit with me at my websites: http://www.blsinc.com/garrotto.htm or http://www.authorsden.com/alfredjgarrottohtm. My blog is found at http://wisdomoflesmiserables.blogspot.com/

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read for Adoptive Parents and Adult Adoptees, October 14, 2003

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Circles of Stone (Paperback)

Circles of Stone is a compelling novel about a supermodel's search for her birth mother in Peru. At the prime of her career Natalia McCrory gives up everything to find her birth mother and dedicate her life to Peru's orphaned children.

Exquisitely written! Garrotto eloquently conveys Natalia's feelings of forgiveness, love, desire and inner strength.

In reading Circles of Stone I found myself living Natalia's journey to Peru. Throughout the book she is faced with important decisions that could destroy her relationship with her parents, fiancée, and her birth mother. From the time she visits El Retiro de Cristo Rey in Sedona to her decision to go to Peru, it is easy to feel Natalia's disenchantment in discovering her personal adoption story and the ultimate discovery of her true spirit.

A great book is one that stays fresh in your mind for many years. It is one that is read and reread, and with each reading something new will be discovered. Circles of Stone is of this caliber--a novel that will touch the lives of all who read it.

As director of an international adoption agency I consider Circles of Stone a "must read" for adoptive families, adult adoptees--anyone who wishes to read a great novel!

Nancy Cocariu

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent - I want more, March 28, 2007

By 

Jerome Ducasse "admirer of arts" (Concord, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Circles of Stone (Paperback)

I just finished reading this novel last night. I have come upon a truely versatile writer ...very entertaining while being able to paint a vivid picture. I really appreciate how the author can incorporate both deep spirituality and the superficial concerns of todays high fashion society into the main character while keeping it very interesting. With this book, the author was able to tranform me into a kid again, when there were times that I anxiously looked forward to the next opportunity to read another chapter of whatever book I was excited about at the time. The author was able to keep me interested from beginning to end with brilliantly powerful visual metaphors and occasional humor. There's much more that I can say about this book, but I must go as I'm now off to go order the sequel to this story, "Down a Narrow Alley".

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun Summer Read, June 2, 2005

By 

none (Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Circles of Stone (Paperback)

I have a new favorite author - this book is so 'real', so enjoyable, I couldn't put it down. I took it on vacation to Maui...I looked forward to each day ending so I would have more time to read this book. I hope there is a sequal or a movie starring Penelope Cruise.