I'd also recommend 'House Made of Dawn' by N. Scott Momaday. This novel is important as it was one of the first to bring Native American voices from New Mexico to a wider audience. It's about a young man named Abel and his struggle to find his place in both the modern world and his traditional Pueblo community.
Another great one is 'The Milagro Beanfield War' by John Nichols. It tells a story full of local charm and the struggles of the people in New Mexico, with vivid descriptions of the area's unique environment.
For beginners, 'Like Water for Chocolate' is a great start. Its engaging story and accessible writing style make it easy to get into. The magical elements combined with the family drama are really captivating.
A very interesting New Mexico historical novel is 'The Plague of Doves' by Louise Erdrich. Although Erdrich is often associated with Native American stories in the northern plains, this novel has a connection to New Mexico as well. It weaves together different historical threads and characters in a complex and engaging way. And don't forget about 'Zorro' by Isabel Allende. While it has elements of the fictional swashbuckling hero, it is also set in a historical context in California and New Mexico.
One of the best is 'Bless Me, Ultima' by Rudolfo Anaya. It beautifully captures the New Mexico landscape and the cultural mix of the region. The story is about a young boy's coming - of - age and his relationship with a curandera, Ultima.
One of the great Baja Mexico novels is 'Into the Beautiful North' by Luis Alberto Urrea. It tells a story full of humor and heart, exploring themes of immigration and the search for a better life.
One great New Mexico crime novel is 'The Witches of Pecos County' by James Doss. It has an engaging plot set in the New Mexico landscape.
Well, 'The Ghostway' by Tony Hillerman is a really good 'New Mexico mystery novel'. Hillerman is well - known for his mystery novels set in the Southwest, and this one is no exception. It delves deep into the Navajo culture and the mysteries that surround it in the New Mexico landscape. His books are a great way to explore the unique mysteries that can be found in New Mexico.
I haven't come across any novels regarding 'Fire on the Mountain Abbey' in New Mexico. There are so many novels in the world, and this seems like a rather unique combination. You could start by looking at local New Mexico author directories or literary magazines to see if there are any works in progress or recently published that might fit this description.
One such novel could be 'The Milagro Beanfield War' by John Nichols. It's set in northern New Mexico, and the winter setting might be part of the backdrop that adds to the charm and the harshness of the rural life depicted. Another could be 'Bless Me, Ultima' by Rudolfo Anaya which also has elements of the New Mexican landscape during different seasons including winter.
One of the well - known Mexico novels is 'Like Water for Chocolate' by Laura Esquivel. It combines elements of magic realism and tells a story filled with love, family, and the power of food in Mexican culture.