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A Little Gumbo in Her Face
After the deaths of her parents and a nasty break up with her fiance, Manon Benoit, a psychiatrist specializing in PTSD, makes the move from New York to New Orleans, carrying with her not only her grief but also the mystery of her famous mother's hidden past. One evening while dancing Argentine tango, she encounters a handsome Creole FBI Agent, Andy St. Julien, a New Orleans native recently returned to the Big Easy to investigate an oil rig explosion in the Gulf of Mexico. Andy's suspicions about Manon's real ties to New Orleans (Is she merely French or something else?), an Australian psychic's predictions, the interference of old lovers, unexpected twists in the FBI's case, and the heady atmosphere of New Orleans herself all conspire to make the lovers' journey a rocky one and threaten to expose the past that Manon's mother sought to keep hidden. Within the intrigue of sexual tension and possible domestic terrorism, A Little Gumbo in Her Face explores how the power of family and place deeply affects ordinary lives, while introducing readers to the Louisiana Creoles and their unique place in American society and culture.
314 pages, Paperback
Published January 30, 2018
About the author
Arleen Cerbone Faustina
1 book19 followersArleen Cerbone Faustina earned a Ph.D. in psychology at Tulane University in New Orleans where she spent many happy years living in and loving the Big Easy. Her specialization in PTSD lends her writing authenticity and her love of New Orleans pervades the story. A Little Gumbo in Her Face is her debut novel. Arleen lives in Virginia.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 11, 2018
From the mystique and the raw beauty of the cultures that create New Orleans comes a romance that almost wasn’t.
She is educated, intelligent, physically gifted with beauty and grace, but Dr. Manon Dumas Benoit, psychiatrist, carries a damaged soul and walls of emotional protection that would defy any of her colleagues to break down.
He is a natural born “hero,” a fixer, a take charge, modern day knight in tarnished armor who couldn’t save his princess long ago. FBI Agent, Andy St. Julien, a handsome and charming Creole returns to New Orleans to investigate a suspicious oil rig explosion, but Fate and the magic that is the Big Easy had other plans for him.
They met at a dance club, and together they made beautiful music, and a fond memory, but that was all, as far as Manon was concerned. What would happen next would make the intricate Tango they danced seem to be a forbearer of the twists, turns and dips their lives would take as a break-in at Manon’s office becomes a critical part of Andy’s investigation. When his curiosity is peaked by the possibility of her heritage, Andy will uncover more than just secrets in Manon’s past, he will uncover yet another tale of the diversity and ethereal magic of New Orleans.
A LITTLE GUMBO IN HER FACE by Arleen Cerbone Faustina is a slowly simmering romantic tale that builds to a rolling boil as mystery, danger and dark threats bring the doctor and the agent together as their attraction wars with their soul-deep barriers.
Beautiful descriptions bring the Big Easy to life without spoiling its charisma and charm. Feel the atmosphere, smell the foods and witness a sense of otherness that could only be real in New Orleans. Ms. Faustina has created a world to savor and a romance to watch unfold between mature characters who have tasted life’s trials and earned their scars. Definitely a read to relax into and be carried away on its pages.
I received a complimentary copy from Arleen Cerbone Faustina!
Publisher: Xulon Press (March 2, 2018)
Publication Date: March 2, 2018
Genre: Contemporary Women's Fiction
Print Length: 246 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News: http://tometender.blogspot.com
She is educated, intelligent, physically gifted with beauty and grace, but Dr. Manon Dumas Benoit, psychiatrist, carries a damaged soul and walls of emotional protection that would defy any of her colleagues to break down.
He is a natural born “hero,” a fixer, a take charge, modern day knight in tarnished armor who couldn’t save his princess long ago. FBI Agent, Andy St. Julien, a handsome and charming Creole returns to New Orleans to investigate a suspicious oil rig explosion, but Fate and the magic that is the Big Easy had other plans for him.
They met at a dance club, and together they made beautiful music, and a fond memory, but that was all, as far as Manon was concerned. What would happen next would make the intricate Tango they danced seem to be a forbearer of the twists, turns and dips their lives would take as a break-in at Manon’s office becomes a critical part of Andy’s investigation. When his curiosity is peaked by the possibility of her heritage, Andy will uncover more than just secrets in Manon’s past, he will uncover yet another tale of the diversity and ethereal magic of New Orleans.
A LITTLE GUMBO IN HER FACE by Arleen Cerbone Faustina is a slowly simmering romantic tale that builds to a rolling boil as mystery, danger and dark threats bring the doctor and the agent together as their attraction wars with their soul-deep barriers.
Beautiful descriptions bring the Big Easy to life without spoiling its charisma and charm. Feel the atmosphere, smell the foods and witness a sense of otherness that could only be real in New Orleans. Ms. Faustina has created a world to savor and a romance to watch unfold between mature characters who have tasted life’s trials and earned their scars. Definitely a read to relax into and be carried away on its pages.
I received a complimentary copy from Arleen Cerbone Faustina!
Publisher: Xulon Press (March 2, 2018)
Publication Date: March 2, 2018
Genre: Contemporary Women's Fiction
Print Length: 246 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News: http://tometender.blogspot.com
April 24, 2018
Manon is fed up with men and is avoiding love like the plague. Her friend Beatrice is somewhat a psychic, insist love will find her weather she wants it or not. She meets Andre at a small get together and he is smitten. He feels like she is the one for him from the first moment. She does her best to stay away from Andre bt when her office is broken into here he is again in her face. hat would anyone want with a shrink's files is the big question. Someone's dark secrets might be in those files is someone looking to blackmail Manon's patients?
This has a lovely New Orleans feel, and has much mystery but little thrill. I still enjoyed it. This is a nice cozy mystery for a evening by the fire.
This has a lovely New Orleans feel, and has much mystery but little thrill. I still enjoyed it. This is a nice cozy mystery for a evening by the fire.
March 5, 2018
“A Little Gumbo in Her Face” is a fascinating and moving love story set in the romantic City of New Orleans, a place of stunning beauty and Old World contrasts.
Dr. Manon Dumas Benoit is a self-assured, but conflicted psychiatrist whose strong-will, complexity and stubbornness have caused her to close off from finding her true soulmate. That is, until she meets Andre St. Julien, a handsome and charming Creole FBI agent, who intrigues her at first sight… and first dance.
But Andre has been escaping his own trauma, as well.
Their obsessive love of Tango becomes a metaphor for the twists, turns, drama, and intrigue that await them, as they work together, and at odds, to solve the mystery of a dangerous explosion, a case that Andre is assigned to in his work as a detective.
Why have they become such “broken” souls?
Manon’s character is carefully revealed in layers and deeply nuanced. She’s educated, smart, talented and professional, with a firm belief in God. But she’s also desperate, despondent, and lonely.
Fortunately, her friends stand by her, to aide in her redemption, and to give her the love, hope, and strength she sorely needs to overcome her doubts about men and finding true love.
Andre’s love is crucially put to the test, as her “dark warrior” is forced to reveal himself and lay bare is inner-most feelings, which he does through deeply personal and beautifully warm love letters that go unanswered for weeks. How can Manon’s feelings move from “her head to her heart”?
What has to happen to make her realize that she can be happy again?
Will Manon and Andre come to a belief that their mutual love will be reciprocated?
“A Little Gumbo In Her Face” is richly and gorgeously written. It’s delicious, thematic threads of love, both lost and found, and of “Identity”… weaves a gorgeous and timely cultural tapestry that will take you away to a “dreamy” place, with danger, risk, spirit, and soul.
Kudos to Arleen Cerbone Faustina for creating such an entertaining and deeply moving story.
Dr. Manon Dumas Benoit is a self-assured, but conflicted psychiatrist whose strong-will, complexity and stubbornness have caused her to close off from finding her true soulmate. That is, until she meets Andre St. Julien, a handsome and charming Creole FBI agent, who intrigues her at first sight… and first dance.
But Andre has been escaping his own trauma, as well.
Their obsessive love of Tango becomes a metaphor for the twists, turns, drama, and intrigue that await them, as they work together, and at odds, to solve the mystery of a dangerous explosion, a case that Andre is assigned to in his work as a detective.
Why have they become such “broken” souls?
Manon’s character is carefully revealed in layers and deeply nuanced. She’s educated, smart, talented and professional, with a firm belief in God. But she’s also desperate, despondent, and lonely.
Fortunately, her friends stand by her, to aide in her redemption, and to give her the love, hope, and strength she sorely needs to overcome her doubts about men and finding true love.
Andre’s love is crucially put to the test, as her “dark warrior” is forced to reveal himself and lay bare is inner-most feelings, which he does through deeply personal and beautifully warm love letters that go unanswered for weeks. How can Manon’s feelings move from “her head to her heart”?
What has to happen to make her realize that she can be happy again?
Will Manon and Andre come to a belief that their mutual love will be reciprocated?
“A Little Gumbo In Her Face” is richly and gorgeously written. It’s delicious, thematic threads of love, both lost and found, and of “Identity”… weaves a gorgeous and timely cultural tapestry that will take you away to a “dreamy” place, with danger, risk, spirit, and soul.
Kudos to Arleen Cerbone Faustina for creating such an entertaining and deeply moving story.
June 16, 2019
"The Creoles are alive and well in New Orleans, and we all recognize one another. We got a little gumbo in our faces."
Set in New Orleans, the melting pot of French, African, Spanish, and American cultures, the story includes references to great food, locations and an explanation of the Creole culture.
Manon is the director of the PTSD Center for Research and Treatment at University Medical Center, an Argentinian tango dancer, a singer, and an independent woman who has sworn off men...until Andy walks into her life.
Andy is an FBI agent investigating potential terrorist targets in the Gulf region, a tango dancer, and widower who has not been serious about a woman since his wife's death...until he meets Manon.
The characters are thoughtful and articulate, and they convey their ideas and beliefs strongly. My favorite is Manon's long-time friend, Beatrice. An Aussie psychic and medicine woman who often predicts Manon's future including her inevitable meeting with Andy.
The story is a love story and mystery filled with suspense, danger, misunderstandings and spiritual guidance. If you are a sucker for love stories with a bit of mystery and revealed family secrets, give this novel a try.
Thank you to Dr. Faustina and Xulon Press for giving me the opportunity to review this book with no expectations of a positive review given.
More book reviews at The Eclectic Review
Set in New Orleans, the melting pot of French, African, Spanish, and American cultures, the story includes references to great food, locations and an explanation of the Creole culture.
Manon is the director of the PTSD Center for Research and Treatment at University Medical Center, an Argentinian tango dancer, a singer, and an independent woman who has sworn off men...until Andy walks into her life.
Andy is an FBI agent investigating potential terrorist targets in the Gulf region, a tango dancer, and widower who has not been serious about a woman since his wife's death...until he meets Manon.
The characters are thoughtful and articulate, and they convey their ideas and beliefs strongly. My favorite is Manon's long-time friend, Beatrice. An Aussie psychic and medicine woman who often predicts Manon's future including her inevitable meeting with Andy.
The story is a love story and mystery filled with suspense, danger, misunderstandings and spiritual guidance. If you are a sucker for love stories with a bit of mystery and revealed family secrets, give this novel a try.
Thank you to Dr. Faustina and Xulon Press for giving me the opportunity to review this book with no expectations of a positive review given.
More book reviews at The Eclectic Review
April 11, 2018
"A Little Gumbo in Her Face" delivers a compelling story of passion, danger and the search for one's identity set against the back drop of the steamy vibrant city of New Orleans. From the first page the author introduces us to Manon Benoit, a strong and confident psychiatrist whose expertise in treating PTSD patients leads her on a life changing experience when she meets a handsome Creole FBI agent, Andy St. Julien, tango dancing. Their love does not go smoothly as they have scars from past relationships. An oil rig explosion and subsequent investigation into possible domestic terrorism also puts Manon and Andy at odds because of their conflicting professional responsibilities. The book is filled with colorful, likeable characters whose lives are woven into the fabric of New Orleans. Through Ms. Faustina's vivid descriptions, I felt I was introduced and immersed in New Orleans culture and traditions. The author's medical background also gave me a better understanding of PTSD and other mental health disorders. It was a real treat to find such an entertaining yet intelligent read. There are some books you don't want to end and this is one of them! When I finished this book I wanted to fly to New Orleans, take tango lessons and hopefully read a new Arleen Cerbone Faustina book! Hard to believe this was her debut novel, the first, I hope, of many to come.
March 30, 2018
I really enjoyed reading "A Little Gumbo in Her Face"!! I am a native New Orleanian and while reading the book it was breathtaking to see how Arleen captured the city of New Orleans describing the wonderful food, great music, different cultures, and traditions. I enjoyed learning more about the creole culture that I wasn't that familiar with. I have never danced the tango, but I felt like I was there dancing with her. I loved that the novel was filled with romance, mystery, New Orleans history, and intriguing characters. It is hard to believe that this is Arlene Cerbone Faustina's first novel! She has a talent for writing and I hope she writes a sequel!
February 27, 2019
A Little Gumbo in Her Face was an interesting story set in New Orleans among the Creoles. Manon is a new resident in New Orleans from New York where she is a psychiatrist specializing in PTSD. She meets Andy, a Creole FBI agent, dancing the tango at a milonga, a dance event. Andy is investigating an oil rig explosion as possible terrorist activity. Their interest in each other is instantaneous. His case and some things in her history must be resolved
May 23, 2018
A Little Gumbo in Her Face, by Arleen Cerbone Faustima is like the perfect Creole recipe. Just add 2 cups of romance, 1 tablespoon of crime, 3 teaspoons of misunderstanding, and a pinch of mystery. Stir well and what comes out is a novel that is like the best comfort food. It provides joy and warms the heart and soul.
August 5, 2021
Lightweight fiction which made me find and read a scholarly article on Creoles & Cajuns in New Orleans!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews