For five American women associated with the US Embassy in Mexico, camaraderie begins with coffee, chocolate, and art shared in painting sessions during the early 1960's, and kept alive for decades via occasional rendezvous worldwide. In a story of love, family, heartbreak, mystery, betrayal, espionage, and grace in the face of tragedy, Nancy's touching novel brings to life these multi-dimensional characters as they navigate the stiff dictates of diplomatic protocol, and the tumultuous events of the late 20th Century.

American Ambassador Diego Asencio bravely reconstructs his 61 days of captivity in Bogota, Colombia. The siege takes place at the Dominican Republic Embassy and is carried out by Colombia's revolutionary M-19 guerrilla organization. This book is a rare look at how the captive diplomats played a large role in securing freedom. It is also testimony that, given time, the honest practice of conflict resolution can bring positive results. It is a small miracle that only one person died during this epic takeover. Much credit must be given to the diplomats in captivity. Ambassador Asencio is a polished writer and does an outstanding job of objectively describing the highs and lows of his days as a hostage.