The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina

A Novel

By: Zoraida Córdova

Narrated by: Frankie Corzo

National Best Seller

Perfect for fans of Alice Hoffman, Isabel Allende, and Sarah Addison Allen, a family searches for the truth hidden in their past in this “expertly woven tale of family power, threaded with as much mystery as magic” (V.E. Schwab, number one New York Times best-selling author).

The Montoyas are used to a life without explanations. They know better than to ask why the pantry never seems to run low, or why their matriarch won’t ever leave their home in Four Rivers - not for graduations, weddings, or baptisms. But when Orquídea Divina invites them to her funeral and to collect their inheritance, they hope to learn the secrets that she has held onto so tightly their whole lives. Instead, Orquídea is transformed into a ceiba tree, leaving them with more questions than answers.

Seven years later, her gifts have manifested in different ways for Marimar, Rey, and Rhiannon, granting them unexpected blessings and powers. But soon, a hidden figure begins to tear through their family tree, picking them off one by one as it seeks to destroy Orquídea’s line. Determined to save what’s left of their family and uncover the truth behind their inheritance, her descendants travel to Ecuador - to the place where Orquídea buried her secrets and broken promises and never looked back.

Alternating between Orquídea’s past and her descendants’ present, The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina is a “spellbinding tale, both timeless and fresh, that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. Prepare to fall in love” (Kim Liggett, New York Times best-selling author).

©2021 Zoraida Córdova. All rights reserved. (P)2021 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.

Critic reviews

"Corzo matches her dreamy tones to the story’s lush imagery of magical gardens, fantastical circuses, and monsters both human and otherworldly. She deftly handles the dialogue of Orquidea’s sprawling generations of ancestors and descendants, giving them an air of connection while making each character distinct. Corzo also keeps the listener grounded in the story despite the constant shifts in time and place as its short chapters unfold." (AudioFile Magazine)

Modern Magical Realism at is best

Loved it! Enveloped by the storytelling, intergenerational power and magic. Devoured this book wonderful just great.

Captivating!

Loved this so much! I couldn't stop, almost finished in a day. The characters are intresting, the secrets are enchanting, and the family is relatable. The details painted a wonderful picture. I don't want it to end. I have 10 more chapters.

Likes the story but wonder if

I liked the story but have mixed feelings about the supernatural part…. Wonder if the mystery had been less supernatural and more mundane how it would play out … but still likes it.

My recommendation: Get this book now.

I found it a sheer pleasure, beautifully done in every way.
Thank you, Ms. Cordova.
Thank you, Ms. Corzo.

Took me to another world.

In my opinion, multicultural stories, I’ve heard have been enjoyable. This book does not disappoint. It takes you to lands of magic and legends through generations of family members.

Reminded me of Home

Loved the magic realism and how this reminded so much of Allende and Marquez’s writing styles yet with a modern twist.

20/10 would recommend

This is a great story. I did a mix of reading and listening (I intended to read but as a grad student my eyes were too tired so I used a credit to listen to it as well because I couldn’t put the story down). One of the best books/stories I’ve read in years.

Didn't Want it to End

This was my first book by this author and narrator and I am so glad I found it. As I got toward the end I started to dread finishing it. I wanted the book to keep going it was so good. I really enjoyed the characters, the mystery, the overall storyline, and the narration.

Intriguing storyline

This is the first Latin inspired magical story I’ve read and I truly enjoyed the way the author built character and story.

Meh, on the narrator.

The narrator had great pronunciation when speaking in Spanish, however, in my opinion needed to be more charismatic. Other, than that loved the story.