Elsa Sommers orphaned at birth, and raised by Victorian spinster, Miss Rose and her strict brother, Jeremy. Now a young woman she meets Joaquin Andieta, a clerk who works for Jeremy. As their relationship grows Elsa and Joaquin fall in love. When Joaquin asks Miss Rose for Elsa's hand in marriage she refuses to grant it. Miss Rose would never let a common clerk marry Elsa who is the daughter that she never had. Will Joaquin persuade Miss Rose to change her mind?

Gold is discovered in California and the whole community is in a state of animation. The thought of finding gold seems like the answer to Joaquin's dilemma. He tells Elsa he must go away to California to strike it rich so he can come back to marry her. Elsa understands but will miss him dearly. After Joaquin leaves for California Elsa discovers she is carrying his child. She decides to follow her beloved to California. Will Elsa find Joaquin?

Daughter of Fortune is an exciting novel with a plot which flows as freely as a river. The storytelling is smooth with no rough edges to distract the reader. Miss Allende's writing is very poetic and spiritual.

The Brilliant descriptions are colorful. Daughter of Fortune is an enchanting journey into the exotic land of spirituality, passion, suspense, and fulfillment. Be prepared for the novel to take you from the first to the last page without a break. Daughter of Fortune is a definite keeper.

Reviewed by Cliff Leach