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Carlos Crosses The Line: A Tale of Immigration, Temptation and Betrayal in the Sixties
Carlos Montoya crossed one line by forsaking his culture's unquestioning faith. He leapt past another, as he entered California illegally during the free-love, irreligious 1960s. There, three women tempted him to abandon more of his limits.
One sought to comfort him.
One used him against her husband--his employer--in marital combat.
One demanded everything.
That summer of 1968, he fled California, falsely accused, beaten, and terrified.
Twenty-six years later, in Michoacán Mexico, the beautiful Lilia Gomez arrives on Carlos's doorstep, challenging him to recall those days and to question his old transgressions. And lurking in his background, what must never be revealed, is the major crime that haunts his past.
One sought to comfort him.
One used him against her husband--his employer--in marital combat.
One demanded everything.
That summer of 1968, he fled California, falsely accused, beaten, and terrified.
Twenty-six years later, in Michoacán Mexico, the beautiful Lilia Gomez arrives on Carlos's doorstep, challenging him to recall those days and to question his old transgressions. And lurking in his background, what must never be revealed, is the major crime that haunts his past.
308 pages, Paperback
Published August 4, 2020
939 people want to read
About the author
Edward D. Webster
6 books40 followersEdward D. Webster’s wide-ranging interests have led him to diverse careers; from teaching high school math to Navajo students in NM; to environmental management; to working to establish a center for abused, neglected and abandoned children.
He is the author of an eclectic collection of books as well as articles appearing in publications as diverse as The Boston Globe and Your Cat magazine. His writing has been honored by groups ranging from the Colorado Independent Publishers Association and Midwest Book Review to the Boomer Times.
Ed admits to a fascination with unique, quirky, and bizarre human behavior. His acclaimed memoir, A Year of Sundays (Taking the Plunge and our Cat to Explore Europe) shares the eccentric tale of his months-long adventure in Europe with his spirited, blind wife and headstrong, deaf, geriatric cat.
In his historical novel, Soul of Toledo, about Spain in the 1440s, the diabolical nature of mankind stands out as madmen take over the city of Toledo and torture suspected Jews, thirty years before the Spanish Inquisition. (Based on a history by Benjamin Netanyahu’s father.)
Webster also likes to mix unique characters to see what they’ll do with/to each other. In his novel, The Gentle Bomber’s Melody, a nutty woman, bearing a stolen baby, lands on the doorstep of a fugitive (but gentle) bomber hiding from the FBI. The result: irresistible insanity.
In his third novel, Carlos Crosses the Line, Webster cast his eye in other directions: the 1960s, the immigration quagmire, the validity of borders between people and countries—and most essentially, the question of what to believe if you don’t accept your culture’s traditional values.
American Nonsensical crossed new lines, with a pair of charlatan preachers, multiple missing persons, a body (dead or alive?) in an old mining pit and two detectives seeking to solve the cases while arguing over Donald Trump and conspiracy theories. Here, Webster delves into the nature of truth, religion and sanity in an America churning with unprecedented tension.
Now, with Russian Nonsensical, he brings snakes, Artificial Intelligence and Russian nonsense to the table for another slightly insane, sometimes poignant, and definitely fun adventure. Nonsense, of course, spans the globe, which provides the potential for endless adventures. Next time, something in southern hemisphere?
Webster lives in Southern California with his divine wife and two amazing cats.
He is the author of an eclectic collection of books as well as articles appearing in publications as diverse as The Boston Globe and Your Cat magazine. His writing has been honored by groups ranging from the Colorado Independent Publishers Association and Midwest Book Review to the Boomer Times.
Ed admits to a fascination with unique, quirky, and bizarre human behavior. His acclaimed memoir, A Year of Sundays (Taking the Plunge and our Cat to Explore Europe) shares the eccentric tale of his months-long adventure in Europe with his spirited, blind wife and headstrong, deaf, geriatric cat.
In his historical novel, Soul of Toledo, about Spain in the 1440s, the diabolical nature of mankind stands out as madmen take over the city of Toledo and torture suspected Jews, thirty years before the Spanish Inquisition. (Based on a history by Benjamin Netanyahu’s father.)
Webster also likes to mix unique characters to see what they’ll do with/to each other. In his novel, The Gentle Bomber’s Melody, a nutty woman, bearing a stolen baby, lands on the doorstep of a fugitive (but gentle) bomber hiding from the FBI. The result: irresistible insanity.
In his third novel, Carlos Crosses the Line, Webster cast his eye in other directions: the 1960s, the immigration quagmire, the validity of borders between people and countries—and most essentially, the question of what to believe if you don’t accept your culture’s traditional values.
American Nonsensical crossed new lines, with a pair of charlatan preachers, multiple missing persons, a body (dead or alive?) in an old mining pit and two detectives seeking to solve the cases while arguing over Donald Trump and conspiracy theories. Here, Webster delves into the nature of truth, religion and sanity in an America churning with unprecedented tension.
Now, with Russian Nonsensical, he brings snakes, Artificial Intelligence and Russian nonsense to the table for another slightly insane, sometimes poignant, and definitely fun adventure. Nonsense, of course, spans the globe, which provides the potential for endless adventures. Next time, something in southern hemisphere?
Webster lives in Southern California with his divine wife and two amazing cats.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 16, 2020
Set in California and Mexico, Webster’s gripping latest tells the story of one man’s journey through life.
Carlos Montoya always had trouble with his culture’s unquestioning faith, but when at twenty-two, he arrived in California illegally and suffered great misery at the hands of his Anglo employer, he lost his faith completely. When his employer’s wife offers to use him in martial combat against her philandering husband in exchange of money, Carlos doesn’t think twice. But the guilt weighs heavy on his mind, and his passionate affairs with two different women while his wife waits at home in Mexico strains his psyche further. Now 26 years later, the lovely Lilia Gomez arrives at his doorstep with questions about his old transgressions. The long-buried secrets come to surface, and the fate offers Carlos a chance to come to peace with his tortured past.
Webster beautifully explores the trials and hardships of Mexican immigrants and the marked social differences (Carlos’s family lives at the edge of poverty back home while his employers come from a privileged background) against the background of the free-love, nonreligious '60s California.
Carlos’s relaxed attitude toward his extramarital affairs combined with his overly convenient justifications of being away from his wife make him not-so-likable character. But Webster’s gritty candor and unflinching gaze at Carlos’s shortcomings make the narrative ring with authenticity. Webster’s writing is assured, and he takes great care to draw his flesh-and-blood, humane characters.
The shifting narrative (between the past and present) flows smoothly, and the heartfelt ending leaves a sweet note in readers’ minds.
This is a must read for fans of both literary fiction and well-constructed romance.
Carlos Montoya always had trouble with his culture’s unquestioning faith, but when at twenty-two, he arrived in California illegally and suffered great misery at the hands of his Anglo employer, he lost his faith completely. When his employer’s wife offers to use him in martial combat against her philandering husband in exchange of money, Carlos doesn’t think twice. But the guilt weighs heavy on his mind, and his passionate affairs with two different women while his wife waits at home in Mexico strains his psyche further. Now 26 years later, the lovely Lilia Gomez arrives at his doorstep with questions about his old transgressions. The long-buried secrets come to surface, and the fate offers Carlos a chance to come to peace with his tortured past.
Webster beautifully explores the trials and hardships of Mexican immigrants and the marked social differences (Carlos’s family lives at the edge of poverty back home while his employers come from a privileged background) against the background of the free-love, nonreligious '60s California.
Carlos’s relaxed attitude toward his extramarital affairs combined with his overly convenient justifications of being away from his wife make him not-so-likable character. But Webster’s gritty candor and unflinching gaze at Carlos’s shortcomings make the narrative ring with authenticity. Webster’s writing is assured, and he takes great care to draw his flesh-and-blood, humane characters.
The shifting narrative (between the past and present) flows smoothly, and the heartfelt ending leaves a sweet note in readers’ minds.
This is a must read for fans of both literary fiction and well-constructed romance.
December 28, 2022
Beeeeauuuuutiful story. I don't always love stories that have political undertones, but this was really a story about a man who is conflicted about his faith. It just happens to be set in the backdrop of the Delano labor strike, and continues on during the immigration conflict in California years later. The book itself centers around Carlos and his struggle to reclaim that he lost during the hardest times of his life, when everything he believed in was questioned and his failures made it feel as though he could never set things right. It's definitely about a flawed man, but I love that the author shows that sometimes it takes a long time to resolve complex issues. Not everything is a quick fix. In the meantime, there is a story of love, loyalty, perseverance, and humanity. SUCH a great book!!!
January 20, 2021
Interesting read on the life of migrant worker, Carlos, and his struggles in the 1960s. Carlos is a little bit of a playboy and struggles with the harsh treatment he receives from the ranch owners and the field managers. He is also put in the predicament of doing as he is told by the ranch owners wife or risking whatever harm may come to him if he doesn’t and eventually finds himself fleeing for his life. The difficulty of being separated from his family and having to cross the boarder illegally weighs on him. This was a good read and opened my eyes to some of the unfair treatment of migrant workers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 21, 2022
Wow - this story is just so well written. The plotline itself is fairly complex, but somehow it doesn't really feel that way when you're reading it. The story spans over 20 years, and starts with the immigration issues of the 1960s (and the strikes with Cesar Chavez) all the way through California's Prop 187 in 1994. I learned a lot about history, but the story was told in a really engaging and beautiful way. The relationships are rich, and the main character, Carlos, is definitely flawed. His loss of faith starts him on a downward spiral that almost costs him everything, but then he has an unexpected chance at redemption. This is definitely worth the read, and a great book to add to your library!
March 19, 2021
I wasn't sure what to think about this book, as so many books and discussions about migrants and coming illegally have hard narratives on both sides that tend to fail. This book shows a lot of what it was like back then through the eyes of Carlos. That's not the crux of the story though. The story is about his life, his faith, his loss of faith and reconciliation, his loves and betrayals, and his coming to terms with it all. It's a decent book and I recommend reading it.
December 19, 2022
This book was really powerful. It tells a very complex story that includes the struggles of migrant workers and immigration laws from the 60s to present day, faith, love, heartbreak, loyalty, friendship, and so much more. The author wove the storylines together so seamlessly that it's almost impossible to look at them individually. Well done and a delight to read.
September 14, 2020
Booker Ranch. Mr. Hiram Booker (50+, husband/father, patrona) employed illegal immigrants to tend/pick, & work in his avocado orchards & orange groves for him. It was by his rules only.
Ruiz (foreman) & Conteveras (foreman) kept Carlos (20+), Rafael (20+, cousin), & the others in line.
Julie Booker (daughter/sister, San Diego college) had helped Mrs. Amy Booker (wife/mother) pick Carlos to do extra work for her.
It seems since Hiram had a Mexican mistress, Amy an artist liked to paint human figures.
Delano, CA. Julie was hoping she could find Carlos Montoya after Deputy Sheriff McDougall (policía del Norte) took him away.
Shortly after, Deputy Sheriff McDougall, had gone missing.
After all, back in Michoacán State, Mexico was Isabel Montoya (Luis’ wife/mother), Rita Montoya (daughter/sister), & Anita Montoya (daughter/sister).
Michoacan, Mexico. Julie had sent Lilia Gomez (kindergarten teacher) with a letter from her to find Carlos (49).
1-day Carlos (Catholic) was showing Julie his ranch of plum trees, peaches, mangos, & a corral of 24 sheep.
It wasn’t long & the 2 of them were sleeping together.
Carlos went to pose again & noticed Mrs. Booker’s black/blue eye.
Bakersfield College auditorium, Bakersfield CA. Benito was giving his presentation to the crowd on Proposition 187. It is racist & hateful & must be defeated.
Lilia Gomez & Carlos had enjoyed sex.
Travis McKenzie picked Carlos, Carmen, & more migrant workers headed for the job site.
María found a housekeeping job.
Travis’ relation are Isabel (wife/mother), Rita (daughter/sister), & Anita Travis relation are.
Benito showed up at Carlos doorstep wanting some answers.
Will Proposition 187 pass?
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
Warning: This book contains descriptive accounts of extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader. If you are especially sensitive to this type of material, it is strongly advised not to read any further.
An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written adventure book. It was extremely easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great description list of unique characters, settings, facts etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great adventure movie, or better yet a mini TV series. It wasn’t as exciting as I hoped so I will only rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Casa de los Sueños Publishing; Pedernales Publishing, LLC.; Goodreads; MakingConnections; Making Connections discussion group talk; PDF book.
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Ruiz (foreman) & Conteveras (foreman) kept Carlos (20+), Rafael (20+, cousin), & the others in line.
Julie Booker (daughter/sister, San Diego college) had helped Mrs. Amy Booker (wife/mother) pick Carlos to do extra work for her.
It seems since Hiram had a Mexican mistress, Amy an artist liked to paint human figures.
Delano, CA. Julie was hoping she could find Carlos Montoya after Deputy Sheriff McDougall (policía del Norte) took him away.
Shortly after, Deputy Sheriff McDougall, had gone missing.
After all, back in Michoacán State, Mexico was Isabel Montoya (Luis’ wife/mother), Rita Montoya (daughter/sister), & Anita Montoya (daughter/sister).
Michoacan, Mexico. Julie had sent Lilia Gomez (kindergarten teacher) with a letter from her to find Carlos (49).
1-day Carlos (Catholic) was showing Julie his ranch of plum trees, peaches, mangos, & a corral of 24 sheep.
It wasn’t long & the 2 of them were sleeping together.
Carlos went to pose again & noticed Mrs. Booker’s black/blue eye.
Bakersfield College auditorium, Bakersfield CA. Benito was giving his presentation to the crowd on Proposition 187. It is racist & hateful & must be defeated.
Lilia Gomez & Carlos had enjoyed sex.
Travis McKenzie picked Carlos, Carmen, & more migrant workers headed for the job site.
María found a housekeeping job.
Travis’ relation are Isabel (wife/mother), Rita (daughter/sister), & Anita Travis relation are.
Benito showed up at Carlos doorstep wanting some answers.
Will Proposition 187 pass?
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
Warning: This book contains descriptive accounts of extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader. If you are especially sensitive to this type of material, it is strongly advised not to read any further.
An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written adventure book. It was extremely easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great description list of unique characters, settings, facts etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great adventure movie, or better yet a mini TV series. It wasn’t as exciting as I hoped so I will only rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Casa de los Sueños Publishing; Pedernales Publishing, LLC.; Goodreads; MakingConnections; Making Connections discussion group talk; PDF book.
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews