Adrienne Peterson

The Willow Basket Adrienne Peterson

In this supernatural tale of love, family, and faith, three women reveal stories of loss and triumph that link the turbulent times surrounding the Mexican-American War with a contemporary search for identity. Journals and memorabilia found in an antique chest introduce young San Diego writer Ceci to two 19th century female ancestors, Mary and María. Among the trunk's contents is an old basket that seems to radiate mysterious energy. After Ceci places it atop the fireplace mantel in her home, she begins to experience strange, vivid dreams about Mary, an Irish immigrant to Philadelphia, and María, an innocent girl in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. Ceci's best friend Janna, an archeologist, confirms that the basket is a pre-Columbian artifact used in sorcery. As the characters of Mary and María emerge from their unrelated backgrounds, Ceci senses their influence over her, particularly in matters of the heart. It seems as if loose threads from the saga of the two women are entangling in her life. The women's stories begin separated by geography and culture, but Mary's husband provides the link between them, through a little-known chapter in the history of the U. S. War with Mexico. Although time and generations separate Ceci from the two family matriarchs, she comes to realize they remain close in spirit and that the women have a personal stake in her happiness. Ultimately she uses the lessons they learned about betrayal and forgiveness, heartbreak and fidelity to overcome doubt and resolve the conflicts in her 21st century life.