Conquistadora by Esmeralda Santiago

In mid-19th century Spain, Ana Larragoity Cubillas dreams of a life filled with passion and adventure far beyond the confines of her privileged upbringing. Drawn to tales of Puerto Rico’s lush plantations, she marries twin brothers and sets sail to the Caribbean to claim her own destiny. On a sugarcane plantation named Hacienda Los Gemelos, Ana must navigate the brutal realities of slavery, disease, and rebellion as she strives to preserve her empire and her independence. Caught between ambition and conscience, she becomes both conqueror and captive of her own desires. Conquistadora is a sweeping historical epic of love, power, and survival, rich with sensual detail and emotional depth.