Reading this book was like watching a telenovela--lots of family secrets, drama, and feuding plus a large cast of supporting characters to keep up with. It was fun.

What I enjoyed the most was the author's skill in sharing cultural details. This book was brimming with the smells and tastes of Filipino food, traditions, and culture, and the dialogue was generously peppered with the Tagalog language. It made me nostalgic and a little homesick for my own family. ( )

THE MANGO BRIDE by Marivi Soliven is an interesting debut novel in Women's Fiction. Two women two cultures and their struggles to fit into American life. Told between the two main characters,Amparo Guerrero,a banished Filipino and Beverly Obejas,a mail-order bride. With a murdered child,secrets,culture difference,betrayal,an unwanted pregnancy,a mail order bride,exile,immigration and a bit of romance, you can't go wrong with "The Mango Bride". A very complex story ranging from the Philippines to California, all is not what it seems in "The Mango Bride". An enduring story,the storytelling was very in depth,the characters fascinating as well as engaging. Ms. Soliven is a great storyteller in the making. An author to watch for in the future. If you enjoy learning more on culture difference, immigration and all that entails you will enjoy "The Mango Bride". Received for an honest review from the publisher.

RATING: 3

HEAT RATING: MILD

REVIEWED BY: AprilR,Review courtesy of My Book Addiction and More ( )