“The Second Time We Met” is the latest book from Leila Cobb. Cobb is a writer from Cali, Colombia who is also a TV host and a pianist. She is considered an expert on Latin music and is interviewed regularly by major news outlets throughout the world. She has won the Nielsen President’s Award for Excellence and she has been recognized for her journalistic excellence. She has made an impact in the United States with her work with the Los Angeles Times as well as the Miami Herald. She has written liner notes for many musicians, who include Ricky Martin, Shakira and Julio Iglasies.
Leila’s second novel was released in February to very enthusiastic readers. The story centers on Rita Ortiz, a girl from Bogata. Raised by strict parent, Rita has very little opportunity to interact with anyone outside of her home, school and church. The arrival of guerrillas who are sent to protect the tiny town raises the curiosity of the townspeople. Rita has had very little experience with suitors after being caught kissing a boy by her father. Rita meets a guerrilla named “The Cat” and she is drawn to him and he to her. The two meet at a nearby church, where they quickly become intimate. The Cat has breached his code in being with Rita and he soon transfers from the tiny village. Rita discovers she is pregnant a short time later and although she tries to hide it, she finally reveals her secret to her parents. Before she knows it, Rita is sent to a convent to have her baby. As much as she wants to keep the baby, Rita gives her son up for adoption. Rita soon finds work as a maid for a wealthy man. When he dies, he leaves a tidy sum to Rita and she changes her identity, goes to college and receives an engineering degree and marries.
Half way around the world, Asher Stone is living with his adoptive parents in California. Asher is a star athlete and quite popular at his school. Asher is a star soccer player and he is heading for a professional career. When Asher is badly hurt in a car accident, his hopes of a professional career are put on hold. Asher was told many years ago that he was adopted from an orphanage in Columbia. Asher begins to wonder about his birth parents, which pushes him to go to Columbia and search for them. All Asher has is a brightly colored bracelet, a picture and a note from his mother. With his girlfriend at his side, Asher begins a search that will send him on a journey that is shadowed in mystery.
This book draws you in the moment you meet Rita Ortiz. Leila Cobb ‘s ability to paint a picture with her words is amazing. She connects the reader with the story with her colorful and detailed descriptions of her characters and their surrounding. While reading her book, I truly felt as if I were a companion to Rita and Asher on their winding road which Asher hopes will lead to his mother. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery, as well as a drama and a love story of a mother and her son. Cobb weaves a beautiful story that will keep you turning pages until the very end.
