The Manchineel

Introducing 'The Manchineel,' a riveting debut novel, available in 2024

‘The Manchineel’ is a story deeply rooted in longing, survival, and the complexities of the human spirit. Elyse Santiago, seemingly a meek young woman teaching lessons from her garden about the beauty and brutality of nature on social media, is a lonely soul lost in the grandeur of Los Angeles. She yearns to heal from her past trauma and deepen her roots to withstand even the strongest winds.

Her solitary existence intertwines with the life of Ben Deluca, a man grappling with the dual charms and dangers of Hollywood. Bound by the shackles of a destructive marriage, Ben mirrors Elyse’s solitude, their shared Latin heritage forms an immediate bond.

Elyse makes a lethal decision inspired by historical fate of Ponce de Leon, the explorer who met his end through the deadly fruit of the manchineel tree at the hands of the natives he sought to control. ‘The Manchineel,’ a blend of heartfelt emotion, romance and unexpected humor, cleverly unearths Elyse’s shadowy past, uncovering a tapestry of unsettling secrets and audacious choices that challenge traditional notions of morality and justice.

 Their shared journey becomes a testament to survival, loyalty, and love. Elyse and Ben, outsiders in their respective environments, find a common ground and solace in each other, leading to a breathtaking climax that will leave readers pondering the true nature of innocence and guilt.