Discovery of a terrible secret related to her adoption shatters Natalia McCrory's world.
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, Natalia experiences a gradual conversion of heart. One by one, the professional and economic priorities that have driven her to elite status in the fashion industry begin to shift, and she must deal with the deeper implications of her new sense of purpose. Circles of Stone is an uplifting story of courage and love about a beautiful adoptee's journey to the center of her being.
Excerpt
The retreating taxi spewed dust and gravel, leaving her in the middle of the unpaved road with no ready means of escape. Her Louis Vuitton carry-on slipped from her shoulder and glided slow-motion down her arm. Settling into the rusty dirt, it looked out of place, the useless remnant of a life and culture left behind. Having planted her feet again on her native soil, she felt them sprout roots and bind her to the land.
She had woven her long hair into a swirled bun and secured it behind her head, allowing the early coastal sun to warm her neck and shoulders. Nothing, however, convinced her unsteady limbs and queasy stomach that she had made the right decision.
Brushing flecks of sand from her faded jeans and neutral cotton safari shirt, she stared at the once-orange iron gate that exceeded by several feet her own above-average height. From the other side, high-pitched squeals of children at play skipped the wall and tugged at irretrievable images locked in her memory. Like Lot's wife peeking at the destruction of her native place, she became a pillar of salt.
They say you can't go home again? Too late, Natty. It's too late for that.
Professional Reviews
A Must-Read for Adoptive Families
Circles of Stone is a compelling novel about a supermodel's search for her birth mother in Peru. In reading Circles of Stone I found myself living Natalia's journey. Throughout the book, she faces important decisions that could destroy her relationship with her adoptive parents, fiancé, and birth mother. Exquisitely written! Garrotto eloquently conveys Natalia's feelings of forgiveness, love, desire, and inner strength.
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 is 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, Director, M.C. International Adoption Agency, Inc., Romanian Adoptions
Like Being on Top of A Mountain
"In Circles of Stone, the profound psychological and spiritual implications will surely fan yearnings for transcendence in others, as they have in me. I have the feeling of having reached the top of a mountain."--Muriel James, Ph.D., D.Div., author of Born to Win and Passion for Life.
An Author Who Understands the Human Spirit
"Circles of Stone is a riveting story of love, passion, and a personal quest. I was drawn in and held enthralled by this moving and honest book about a young woman’s search for selfhood and the true story of her birth. Along the way I met engaging secondary characters, tasted an exotic South American setting, laughed, cried, and thoroughly enjoyed myself. This is a wonderful story that sticks in your heart long after the last page is turned. A.J. Garrotto is one of those rare writers who truly understands the human spirit."--Lynna Banning, author of The Angel of Devil's Camp
Dreamin’ Dreams is more than a collection of stories; it is a celebration of Irish life, adventure, and the unforgettable characters who make growing up in Ireland a journey worth remembering.
