Mofongo
by Cecilia Samartin
Sebastian dreams of running like the wind across the soccer field and kicking the ball in a perfect arc into the goal net. But his heart defect requires him to stand on the sidelines. His parents overprotect him, but they are unable to shield him from their failing marriage, the estrangement in their extended family, or the bullies at school. Fortunately, Sebastian finds sanctuary in his grandmother’s kitchen. Working side by side, preparing exotic dishes from her homeland of Puerto Rico, they discover a new purpose that brings healing and hope. A story for the entire family, “Mofongo” is about creating heaven on earth, and learning how to listen with the heart. Readers will come away with a renewed appreciation for life and the delectable realization that a meal prepared with love not only feeds the body, it nurtures the soul.